The Los Angeles Rams made an early splash this offseason when they signed All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to a two-year contract.
Adams gives the team a big playermaker to pair with Puka Nacua, who himself is one of the better wide receivers in the NFL. The addition of Adams made it easier for the Rams to part ways with Cooper Kupp, who went on to join his hometown Seattle Seahawks after being released.
The Rams have made several other moves since the start of free agency, including bringing back Jimmy Garoppolo on a new one-year contract.
Garoppolo already has some chemistry with Adams from their brief time together with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 and couldn’t be more excited to team up with him again.
“Pumped man. I haven’t seen him in a while, talented receiver. It’ll be fun seeing him again and just getting back on the same page. I’ve seen what he can do before,” Garoppolo said of Adams.
Garoppolo’s time with the Raiders didn’t end on a good note as he was benched after Week 8 of the 2023 season in favor of Aidan O’Connell. Adams later said he signed off on the decision, but the two still appear to be on good terms.
Garoppolo is set to back up Matthew Stafford for the second consecutive season, but could get some opportunities if the latter struggles or suffers an injury. Considering the Rams have Super Bowl aspirations, it makes sense to have a veteran backup in place.
There might also be chances for Garoppolo to get some reps in blowout situations or meaningless games. He made one start for the Rams in their 2024 regular season finale and nearly led them to a comeback win over the Seahawks.
Sean McVay wanted Rams to retain Jimmy Garoppolo
Before they were able to reach an agreement on a deal, head coach Sean McVay expressed how much he wanted the Rams to bring back Jimmy Garoppolo.
“We would love to bring him back,” McVay said of Garoppolo earlier this offseason. “I obviously have been very busy working through the Matthew situation. That’s the hope and anticipation. Now, you guys know that there might be some other interest and Jimmy’s earned the right to be able to have that type of interest.
“But yes, if you said, would I want Jimmy back here to be able to work in the quarterback room with [Quarterbacks Coach] Dave Ragone and Matthew and those guys? The answer is absolutely yes.”
